How Long Do Golf Cart Batteries Last? Find Out Here!

In addition to being used on golf courses, golf carts are also a common form of transportation in many neighborhoods, particularly senior homes.

They are an excellent means of transportation since they are quiet, sustainable, and practical. Golf carts are powered by batteries, just like any other type of vehicle; therefore, it’s essential to understand how long they will last. 

In this blog post, we’ll explore the factors that affect the lifespan of golf cart batteries and provide some tips on extending their life. 

How Long Do Golf Cart Batteries Last?

Golf cart batteries typically have a lifespan of around two years. However, this might vary based on usage, maintenance, and battery type. Golf carts frequently utilize lead-acid batteries, typically lasting 4 to 6 years.

Yet, they can survive up to 7 years with the proper care and usage. Golf carts increasingly use lithium-ion batteries because of their longer lifespan of up to 10 years.

It’s vital to remember that factors like temperature, charge, and usage can affect the lifespan of golf cart batteries, so it’s crucial to properly care for and maintain the batteries to ensure they last as long as possible.

The average lifespan of golf cart batteries is around 4-6 years. However, this can vary depending on several factors, such as:

• Frequency of use
• Type of battery
• Quality of battery
• Temperature and climate conditions
• Proper maintenance

To maximize the lifespan of your golf cart batteries, it’s essential to take proper care of them.

Factors Affecting Golf Cart Battery Lifespan

The following factors, among others, might shorten the life of golf cart batteries:

Charging

A correct charge is necessary for golf cart batteries to last long. Overcharging or undercharging batteries can cause damage and reduce their lifespan.

It’s essential to use the correct charger and follow the recommended charging methods provided by the manufacturer.

Temperature

Extreme temperatures have the potential to damage golf cart batteries. In low conditions, batteries may operate poorly, whereas, in hot temperatures, batteries may degrade more quickly.

Keep the batteries away from extreme heat and store them in a cool, dry area when not in use.

Maintenance

Golf cart batteries can last longer with routine maintenance. Maintenance includes making routine equalization charges, monitoring the water levels, and cleaning the battery connections.

Usage

Golf cart batteries’ longevity can also be impacted by how frequently and how long they are used.

Generally speaking, batteries used more regularly or for longer durations will deteriorate more quickly than those used less frequently.

Age

Their age can also influence the longevity of the batteries. Golf cart batteries ultimately approach the end of their useful life and must be changed, even with appropriate upkeep and use.

Type of battery

Golf cart batteries come in various forms, including lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries. The longevity will vary based on the battery used, and each kind has its own benefits and drawbacks.

Maintenance Tips to Extend the Lifespan of Golf Cart Batteries

Batteries for golf carts are essential parts of your golf cart’s power system. Here are some maintenance recommendations to take into account for your golf cart batteries to last longer:

Keep your batteries charged

Maintaining a full charge on your batteries will help them last longer. After each usage, be sure to charge your batteries, and don’t leave them drained for too long.

Water levels

Regularly check the water levels in your batteries and, if required, replenish them with distilled water. Make sure the battery’s plates are submerged in water. Avoid overcharging the batteries.

Clean the battery terminals

To get rid of any rust or buildup on the battery terminals, use a wire brush or battery terminal cleaner. Poor connections brought on by corrosion can lower battery performance.

Store your batteries properly

Make sure to keep your golf cart batteries in a cool, dry location with a constant temperature if you intend to store them for an extended amount of time. Before storing the batteries, disconnect them and give them a full charge.

Avoid overcharging or undercharging

Your battery’s lifespan might be shortened and damaged by overcharging or undercharging it. Adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations and use a charger made especially for the batteries in your golf cart.

Regular maintenance

Your golf cart batteries can last longer with regular maintenance. Look for evidence of wear or damage on the batteries, and replace them if required. Also, a professional may regularly inspect and service your batteries.

Signs that Golf Cart Batteries Need to be Replaced

Even with proper maintenance, golf cart batteries will eventually need to be replaced. Here are some signs that your golf cart batteries may be nearing the end of their lifespan:

Reduced range

If your golf cart can no longer travel as far on a single charge as it previously could, your batteries may need to be changed.

Slow charging

Your batteries may be worn out and need to be changed if they take longer than usual to charge entirely or don’t appear to keep a charge for very long.

Diminished power

The batteries in your golf cart may be losing their capacity to maintain a charge and provide steady power if you notice that it has less power and acceleration than usual.

Corrosion and buildup

It may indicate that your batteries must be changed if you observe corrosion or accumulation on the terminals.

Age

It’s probably time to change your golf cart batteries if they are close to or beyond their expiration date because golf cart batteries typically last between three and five years.

Swollen or bulging battery

Your batteries may be overcharged, overheated, or damaged and need to be changed if you find that they seem enlarged or bulging.

Strange sounds or smells

It might be a sign that the batteries need to be replaced if you hear strange noises or smell strange odors from your golf cart.

FAQs

Can golf cart batteries be recharged, and if so, how often?

Yes, It’s possible to recharge golf cart batteries. The type of battery and the amount of use determine how often to charge it. Often used in golf carts, lead-acid batteries need to be recharged after every usage.

How can I extend the lifespan of my golf cart batteries?

You may improve the lifespan of your golf cart batteries by following excellent charging procedures, avoiding overcharging or undercharging, carefully storing the batteries, and keeping them clean.

How often should I replace my golf cart batteries?

When your golf cart batteries can no longer maintain a charge or correctly power your golf cart, it’s time to replace them. After 4-6 years of usage, this usually happens.

What is the average cost of replacing golf cart batteries?

Depending on the type and quality of the batteries, the price to replace golf cart batteries may vary. On average, a pair of golf cart batteries can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,500 to replace.

Should I use a specific type of battery for my golf cart?

Yes, You should make use of batteries that are created exclusively for golf carts. Batteries of the lead-acid, lithium-ion and AGM (absorbent glass mat) varieties are typical.

What is the warranty on golf cart batteries?

The golf cart battery warranty might change depending on the manufacturer and battery type. The typical warranty period is one to three years.

Can I recycle my old golf cart batteries?

Yes, Recycling used golf cart batteries is a good idea. Several car parts retailers, scrap metal yards, and battery recycling facilities accept them.

Recycling aids in reducing the number of pollutants and hazardous substances released into the environment.

Final Words

Maximizing the longevity of your golf cart batteries requires proper maintenance.

Their lifespan may be increased by regular charging, appropriate watering, cleaning, avoiding overcharging, and safe storage.

Even with careful maintenance, golf cart batteries will ultimately need to be changed.

You may enjoy your golf cart for many years by avoiding getting stuck on the course and being aware of the warning signals of a fading battery.